In this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, dive deep into running injury, pain, and running training strategies for runners. They highlight the importance of foot strength—especially with tools like Vivo Barefoot shoes—and share top running tips that can help reduce your risk of running injury and pain. The episode reviews a key study showing that hip and core strength training offers greater health optimization for running injury prevention than just focusing on the foot and ankle. Their discussion emphasizes a holistic approach that includes cross-training, core awareness, and professional guidance. If you’re looking to optimize your running training, minimize pain, and achieve true health optimization, this episode is packed with practical advice and top running tips for a safer, more effective routine.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—with perfect styles for any occasion! Boost foot health through mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

Free Week + Holiday Discount on the Jen Health Membership:

Time to start the New Year out right! Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!

We think you’ll love:

Get A Free Week on Jen Health!

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YouTube Channel

See the full Show Notes and Resources here: https://jen.health/podcast/388

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 

2:00 Importance of Injury Prevention 

3:00 Running Injury Statistics 

4:10 Explanation of the top down (hip and core) versus bottom up (foot and ankle) approaches in injury prevention.

5:40 Study Overview: Hip and Core vs. Foot and Ankle 

7:30 Complexity of Injury Prevention 

9:20 Results showing the hip and core program significantly reduced injury rates compared to foot/ankle and control groups.

11:40 Need for a Comprehensive Plan 

14:00 Cross-Training Benefits 

15:30 Plyometrics and Running 

16:17 Postpartum Running Considerations

17:34 Supervised Sessions in Injury Prevention Study 

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In this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both experts in physical therapy, welcome pelvic health specialist Dr. Jocelyn Wallace to discuss pelvic floor health, pain, and recovery after abdominal surgery. The conversation covers pelvic floor rehabilitation and pelvic floor therapy for pain and healing following abdominal surgery, such as myomectomy and hysterectomy. Dr. Wallace shares her personal journey with fibroids, pain, physical therapy, and multiple abdominal surgeries. The episode highlights the importance of tailored pelvic floor rehabilitation, optimal health strategies, and long-term recovery support for women experiencing pain after abdominal surgery.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!
 

Pelvic Floor Foundations:

Want a stronger pelvic floor but don’t know where to start? OurPelvic Floor Foundations Course guides you step-by-step. Podcast listeners get a discount with code OPTIMAL10. Learn more and sign up today!

Dr Wallace's Resources and Links:

Dr Wallace's Website for Virtual Support

Dr Jocelyn Wallace on Instagram

Dr Jocelyn Wallace on Youtube

We think you’ll love:

Get A Free Week on Jen Health!

Grab our Free Postpartum Guide

Tune Up Fitness Balls & Coregeous Ball

Jen’s Instagram

Dom’s Instagram

YouTube Channel

Get the Full Show Notes and Resources at: https://jen.health/podcast/387

What you will learn from Dr Wallace: 

2:33 Dr Wallace recounts her multiple surgeries for fibroids and how they influenced her career path.

3:06 Dr. Wallace describes her first surgery during physical therapy school and its impact on her education.

4:06 She contrasts her recovery after the second surgery, applying her pelvic health knowledge.

7:27 Discussion on the significance of core strength and pelvic floor awareness post-surgery.

8:46 Exploration of the typical advice given after abdominal surgeries and its shortcomings.

10:26 Discussion on...

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In this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss the pros and cons of using psoas release tools for tight hip flexors. They cover the pain and risks of hard psoas tools on hip flexors and nearby organs. Instead, they recommend a holistic approach to hip flexor health, focusing on movement, breathwork, and gentler tools like the Coregeous Ball. The episode offers health tips for addressing tight hip flexors and achieving optimal body health.

VivoBarefoot Discount:Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—with perfect styles for any occasion! Boost foot health through mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.

LMNT Discount Code:

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. It’s our favorite micro nutrition hack to get those essential minerals in! Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Huge discount on Jen Health Annual Membership! Podcast listeners get over 50% off with code OPTIMAL10. Access 12 Therapy Plans and start your free trial now—move with us!

We think you’ll love:

Get A Free Week on Jen Health!

Free Tight Hip Flexor Guide

Get a Coregeous Ball

Jen’s Instagram

Dom’s Instagram

YouTube Channel

Get full show notes and resources here: https://jen.health/podcast/386

What you'll learn in this episode:

2:00 What are Psoas...

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In this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, talk with Dr. Roshini Raj about the gut microbiome and its impact on optimal health, longevity, and health optimization. Dr. Raj explains the importance of a balanced gut microbiome, shares nutrition tips, and discusses the gut-brain connection and rising colon cancer rates in younger people. Get actionable health tips from The Optimal Body podcast to boost your gut microbiome and overall well-being.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Discount!

We are having a massive 50% discount on our Annual Membership for the Jen Health Platform. This is the lowest price we EVER offer throughout the year. This membership gets you access to 12 different therapy plans. There are plans for specific body parts or plans that work on Full Body Strength, HIIT Workouts, Full Body Mobility, and Core Stability. This 50% discount only lasts a limited time! No code needed. Come and join HERE!
 

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

Dr Raj's Resources and Links:

My Yay Day Instagram

My Yay Day Facebook

My Yay Day Website

Work with Dr Raj

Gut Renovation Website

We think you’ll love:

Get A Free Week on Jen Health!

Jen’s Instagram

Dom’s Instagram

YouTube Channel

See the full Shownotes and Resources at: https://jen.health/podcast/385

What you'll learn in this episode:

5:03 Doctor Raj's Journey into Gastroenterology 

12:37 Doctor Raj explains what gut health and microbiome mean, emphasizing their significance for overall health.

15:34 Discussion on how the gut affects...

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Curious about QL pain and its link to low back discomfort? In this Optimal Body Podcast episode, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom break down the role of the quadratus lumborum, why QL pain is often blamed for low back issues, and how it relates to hip flexors and fascia. With insights from physical therapy and women’s health, they explain how QL pain can stem from muscle imbalances and poor movement patterns. The hosts highlight the mind-body connection, diaphragmatic breathing, and practical self-care like foam rolling to help manage QL pain. Their holistic approach shows how core stability and hip control support optimal health and functional independence.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

LMNT Discount Code:

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. It’s our favorite micro nutrition hack to get those essential minerals in! Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!

We think you’ll love:

Get A Free Week on Jen Health!

Free Low Back Pain Guide

Jen’s Instagram

Dom’s Instagram

YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/384

What you'll learn in this episode:

1:52 Understanding the Quadratus Lumborum 

5:04 Importance of Breathing Techniques 

9:16 Fascial Connections of the...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the transformative power of martial arts and meditating practices with guest Jeff Patterson, a martial arts expert with over 36 years of experience. Doc Jen highlights the importance of foot health and barefoot shoes, connecting these concepts to optimal health and the mind-body connection. Jeff shares his journey into martial arts and the benefits of meditating, while the discussion also touches on how meditating can enhance athletic performance, manage stress, and improve overall well-being. Drawing from their backgrounds in physical therapy and women’s health, the hosts and Jeff offer insights into how exercise and meditating together can support a holistic, empowered lifestyle. Jeff also introduces the concept of "yielding" and provides practical tips for integrating meditating into daily life.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—with perfect styles for any occasion! Boost foot health through mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!
 

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!

Jeff's Resources and Links:

Free Book Offer: The Yielding Warrior

Jeff's Instagram

The Yielding Warrior Youtube Channel

Yielding Warrior Website

We think you’ll love:

Get A Free Week on Jen Health!

Posture Redefined

Jen’s Instagram

Dom’s Instagram

YouTube Channel

Check out the full show notes and resources at: https://jen.health/podcast/383

What you will learn from Jeff Patterson: 

4:40 Jeff's Journey into Martial Arts 

6:28 How meditative arts enhance athletic performance...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, dive into the topic of kinesiophobia—an often-overlooked fear of movement that many experience after injury. They explain how kinesiophobia can create psychological barriers to recovery and why addressing kinesiophobia is crucial for regaining confidence in physical activity. The episode explores practical strategies for overcoming kinesiophobia, including adaptive exercises like virtual reality and aquatic therapy, patient education, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Doc Jen and Doctor Dom also discuss celebrating small wins, fostering a supportive environment, and setting realistic goals to help women move past kinesiophobia and enjoy movement again.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Winter has arrived! There is nothing more that I love than keeping my feet warm while still gaining the benefit of barefoot shoes with Vivobarefoot's new boot collection! Improve your foot and ankle health and therefore everything up the chain by wearing ⁠VivoBareoot shoes⁠ to improve the mobility and strength in your toes, feet, and ankles. There’s one for every occasion, including weddings, hiking, a grocery walk and casual wear, or shoes for your active lifestyle. Use code "OPTIMAL20" to get 20% off your ⁠VivoBarefoot Shoes⁠!

Needed Discount:

Although the journey of pregnancy is so personal and individual, Jen's number one question goes back to what she did to help her conceive and maintain the pregnancy. While there were a myriad of factors that contributed, she reliably counted on Needed supplements that supported her journey! Men need support as well via sperm support and men multivitamins. while women are supported by egg quality supplementation, CoQ10, prenatal Omega 3, iron, and choline in tablet or powder form. Used by over 4000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off.

Posture Redefined:

Discover Posture Redefined, the ultimate course designed to help you build strength, alignment, and mobility for a pain-free, confident posture. This comprehensive challenge will guide you through exercises and techniques to transform how you move and feel every day. Don’t miss your chance to redefine your posture—sign up now to cone join us and grab the early-bird discount using code OPTIMAL20at checkout!

We think you’ll love:

Get A Free Week on Jen Health!

Posture Redefined

Jen’s Instagram

Dom’s Instagram

YouTube Channel

Get full show notes and resources

at: https://jen.health/podcast/382

What you'll lern in this podcast: 

3:30 Unders...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, welcome Dr. John Kim, a functional medicine pharmacist. Dr. Kim shares his transformative journey from traditional pharmacology to integrative medicine following a significant health crisis. He discusses the importance of understanding root causes of chronic illnesses and the role of lifestyle changes in health management. The episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, cellular, and spiritual health, offering listeners practical insights into functional medicine and holistic approaches to achieving optimal well-being.

Posture Redefined Course Discount:

Are you someone who has struggled with poor posture? Find your shoulders rounding forward throughout the day or even notice a hump forming on your neck? You aren't alone! Posture is a very complex and dynamic thing that we should all be focused on. That is why we created the Posture Redefined Course to help you understand the whole body dynamic of posture and how to be aware of your body from head to toe! You can even grab a huge discount on the program using code OPTIMAL20 at checkout! Grab the course HERE!

LMNT Discount Code:

Fuel every system within the body and the brain with LMNT! Keep yourself hydrated on a cellular level by replenishing the sodium, potassium, and magnesium that our body needs for basic cellular processes like nerve signalling, smooth muscle contractions, unnecessary fatigue, aches and pain, brain fog, and recovery! Get a free gift with every purchase and try some new flavours as you stay hydrated! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Your Free Gift!

What you will learn from Dr John Kim

 3:48 Dr. Kim's Personal Health Journey

6:36 Dr. Kim reflects on his experiences in the emergency room and the shortcomings of conventional medicine.

7:50 Dr. Kim recounts his unexpected heart attack

12:16 Dr. Kim shares being overmedicated after his heart attack

14:56 Integrating functional medicine as a pharmacist

19:17 Dr. Kim's foundations of health

26:21 How toxins impact our DNA

33:46 Phospholipids and Gut Health 

39:32 Addressing Toxin Exposure 

40:35 Mold Symptoms and Health Impacts

45:21 Maintaining Cellular Health

Learn More from Dr John Kim:

We think you’ll love:

See the full shownotes and resources at: https://jen.health/podcast/381

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In this episode, Doc Jen and Dr. Dom dive into chronic mid back pain, explaining how mid back pain can be persistent or come and go. Unlike neck or low back pain, mid back pain lacks clear guidelines, but research shows manual therapy and exercise—two pillars of physical therapy—can help. They highlight mid back mobility exercises, discuss long-term relief, and share holistic tips for overcoming mid back pain through movement and lifestyle changes. Whether you’re seeking optimal health, managing pain, or focused on women’s health, this episode of The Optimal Body offers actionable advice rooted in physical therapy and exercise science.

Needed Discount:Jen relied on Needed supplements to support her pregnancy journey, from fertility to postpartum. Trusted by over 4,000 health professionals, Needed offers supplements for both men and women, including sperm support, egg quality, prenatal Omega-3, CoQ10, iron, and choline. Use code ⁠OPTIMAL⁠ for 20% off.

Intelliroll Discount:

IntelliRoll is the ultimate foam roller designed to contour to your body, providing a customized massage experience. Its patented Body Zones target multiple muscles simultaneously, accelerating muscle recovery and enhancing mobility. Made with high-quality EVA foam, IntelliRoll offers medium to firm pressure for effective self-massage. Feel the difference with IntelliRoll’s curved design and maximize your full-body recovery. Use code DOCJEN for a special discount!

Posture Redefined:

Discover Posture Redefined, the ultimate course designed to help you build strength, alignment, and mobility for a pain-free, confident posture. This comprehensive challenge will guide you through exercises and techniques to transform how you move and feel every day. Don’t miss your chance to redefine your posture—sign up now for the challenge starting on November 3!

We think you’ll love:

Get A Free Week on Jen Health!

Posture Redefined

Jen’s Instagram

Dom’s Instagram

YouTube Channel

What will you learn from this PT Pearl:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:00 Posture Redefined Announcement

02:46 Chronic Mid-Back Pain Discussion

03:29 Lack of Guidelines for Mid-Back Pain

07:15 Importance of Exercise

09:10 Common Misconceptions About Manual Therapy

10:28 Basic Exercises for Mid-Back Pain

12:35 Complexity of Pain Management

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/380

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, dive deep into the topic of back pain during pregnancy—often referred to as pregnancy pain. Doc Jen opens up about her own pregnancy journey, sharing insights on how nutrition and supplements from Needed have supported her along the way. They discuss how pregnancy pain is incredibly common, with many women experiencing discomfort due to physiological and biomechanical changes. The hosts highlight the importance of staying active, referencing updated guidelines that support exercise during pregnancy as a way to help manage pregnancy pain and promote overall well-being.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

LMNT Discount Code:

Fuel every system within the body and the brain with LMNT! Keep yourself hydrated on a cellular level by replenishing the sodium, potassium, and magnesium that our body needs for basic cellular processes like nerve signalling, smooth muscle contractions, unnecessary fatigue, aches and pain, brain fog, and recovery! Get a free gift with every purchase and try some new flavours as you stay hydrated! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Your Free Gift!

Full Body Low Impact Plan:

Join our Full Body Low Impact Plan on Jen Health. Learn how to Improve Mobility, Relieve Consistent Aches & Pains, and Move Smarter with a Doctor of Physical Therapy to Guide You!

Jen Health Platform:

With 12 different plans, access to over 200 videos on mobility, strength, core and muscle activations plus a monthly recorded educational webinar, Jen Health is your daily app and platform to relieve pain and improve how you feel with movement. 

We think you’ll love:

Get A Free Week on Jen Health!

Full Body Low Impact Plan

Jen’s Instagram

Dom’s Instagram

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.